1917 Half Dollar Value (2026 Guide): Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

The 1917 Walking Liberty half dollar is one of the most fascinating coins in all of American numismatics. Three mints produced five distinct varieties in a single year — all because of a dramatic mid-year change in mint mark placement that no one could have predicted.

That unique transition makes 1917 half dollars especially exciting for collectors. A common Philadelphia example starts around $25 in well-worn condition, while the prized 1917-S Obverse variety sold for a record-shattering $152,750 at Heritage Auctions in August 2015. Your coin’s value depends entirely on which variety you hold — and in what condition.

 

1917 Half Dollar Value By Variety

This comprehensive value chart reveals the dramatic price differences between 1917 Half Dollar varieties, with the rare 1917-S Obverse commanding extraordinary value in Mint State condition — nearly ten times more than its common Philadelphia counterpart.

If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

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Top 10 Most Valuable 1917 Half Dollar Worth Money

The chart reveals a clear hierarchy among 1917 Half Dollar varieties, with the 1917-S Obverse MS-67 commanding the series pinnacle at $152,750 at Heritage Auctions in August 2015. This premium reflects the coin’s dual rarity factors: the lowest mintage among the obverse varieties combined with extraordinary preservation in gem condition.

A fascinating “inverse rarity” phenomenon plays out across the 1917 series. The higher-mintage Reverse Mint Mark issues (produced later in 1917) are actually scarcer in Gem MS-65+ condition than many of the lower-mintage Obverse types — because the novelty of a new design had faded and fewer were saved by contemporary collectors.

Grade sensitivity drives exponential price jumps within each variety. A single grading point separates the $78,000 1917-D Obverse MS-66 from potential six-figure territory at MS-67.

Recent auction data from Heritage Auctions and Stack’s Bowers (2024–2025) shows MS-65 examples of the Reverse Mint Mark types regularly selling 200–300% above published PCGS price guide values — confirming their status as serious conditional rarities.

 

History Of The 1917 Half Dollar

The 1917 Walking Liberty half dollar emerged at a turning point in both American art and American history. The coin was designed by sculptor Adolph A. Weinman, who was chosen by a Commission of Fine Arts competition organized in late 1915 by then-Mint Director Robert W. Woolley to replace the long-running Barber coinage.

Weinman was notified on February 28, 1916, that five of his design sketches had been selected — including both the dime (the famous Mercury dime) and the half dollar. His Walking Liberty design proved notoriously difficult to perfect, as the high relief made it hard to bring all details up fully in the striking process.

The new half dollar entered circulation in January 1917 with almost no fanfare. In fact, Weinman himself had to mail a $10 money order to Philadelphia Mint Superintendent Adam M. Joyce just to receive 20 of the new coins as New Year’s gifts — the Mint had sent him no update. The coin’s quiet debut was overshadowed by the nation’s attention on the looming entry into World War I.

Tragically, longtime Mint Engraver Charles E. Barber — whose Barber half dollar the Walking Liberty had just replaced — died on January 18, 1917, just as the new coins were first reaching the public.

What makes 1917 historically unique is the dramatic mid-year mint mark change. On February 14, 1917, Mint Director Friedrich von Engelken ordered the mint mark moved from the obverse to the reverse, stating that the obverse placement looked like a die defect and was too prominent. Von Engelken was already leaving office to become president of the Federal Land Bank for the Third District, so his successor Raymond T. Baker had to provide written confirmation of the order in April 1917 — officially authorizing the die modifications that placed mint marks at the 7 o’clock position on the reverse.

This unprecedented mid-year change created five distinct varieties from a single year: the Philadelphia issue (no mint mark), plus obverse and reverse mint mark versions from both Denver and San Francisco. No other year in the entire Walking Liberty series (1916–1947) produced this kind of variety structure.

Also Read: Top 35 Most Valuable Franklin Half Dollar Worth Money (1948 – 1963)

 

Is Your 1917 Half Dollar Rare?

Confirm the specific rarity classification and current market positioning for your half dollar using our CoinValueChecker App‘s comprehensive Walking Liberty assessment system.

 

Key Features of The 1917 Half Dollar

The 1917 Half Dollar showcases Adolph A. Weinman’s masterful design, widely praised as one of the greatest coins the United States has ever produced. Its iconic Walking Liberty image proved so enduring that it was later adapted for the American Silver Eagle bullion coin introduced in 1986 — making Weinman’s design one of the most recognized in the world today.

This transitional year created five distinct varieties due to the unprecedented mid-year mint mark relocation, making 1917 uniquely significant in the entire Walking Liberty series (1916–1947).

The Obverse Of The 1917 Half Dollar

The obverse depicts Miss Liberty striding toward the rising sun, her right arm outstretched and her left arm carrying branches of oak (symbolizing American strength) and laurel (symbolizing prosperity). A flag-patterned cape flows behind her with stars scattered across it, representing America’s patriotic spirit.

The word “LIBERTY” arches widely above Liberty’s figure, with “IN GOD WE TRUST” positioned to her lower right and the date 1917 at the bottom. For early 1917 issues from Denver and San Francisco, the mint mark (a “D” or “S”) appears directly beneath the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the obverse — making these Obverse Mint Mark varieties the most sought-after and valuable of the year.

The Reverse Of The 1917 Half Dollar

The reverse shows a powerful American bald eagle perched on a rocky crag, from which a pine branch grows — representing America’s rugged roots and resilience. The eagle’s wings are spread wide in a posture suggesting both defense and power.

“UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arches above, “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (Latin for “Out of many, one”) appears to the left, and “HALF DOLLAR” runs below the eagle. Weinman discreetly placed his initials “AW” beneath the eagle’s right wing. For coins produced after April 1917, the Denver “D” or San Francisco “S” mint mark was relocated to the lower left area of the reverse near the rim, close to the eagle’s tail feathers.

Other Features Of The 1917 Half Dollar

The 1917 Half Dollar measures 30.6mm in diameter and weighs 12.50 grams, composed of 90% silver and 10% copper with a total net weight of 0.36169 ounces of pure silver. All coins feature a reeded edge — the small ridged bumps around the circumference that help prevent counterfeiting and coin shaving.

With silver prices near $47–$48 per troy ounce in late 2025, the base melt value of any 1917 half dollar calculates to approximately $17. However, even the most worn collectible examples carry numismatic value well above their silver content — only damaged or severely corroded “cull” coins trade near melt value.

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1917 Half Dollar Mintage & Survival Data

The 1917 Half Dollar production tells a fascinating story of abundance versus scarcity that defies common sense. Philadelphia’s massive 12,292,000-coin mintage dominates the series, yet its survival rate of just 0.51% reveals the brutal reality of heavy wartime circulation and metal demands — a reminder that large mintages don’t guarantee survival.

The obverse mint mark varieties demonstrate remarkable preservation rates despite lower original production. The 1917-D Obverse achieved an impressive 4.96% survival rate from just 765,400 coins minted, while the 1917-S Obverse maintained nearly 5% survival from 952,000 pieces. Numismatists believe this happened because collectors of the day recognized these as novelty coins with an unusual obverse mint mark placement — prompting them to set examples aside before they entered heavy circulation.

The reverse mint mark varieties tell the opposite story. Despite higher mintages, they show lower survival percentages in gem condition — the novelty factor had faded by the time these later-date coins were released, and fewer were saved. This is why the Greysheet’s Certified Pricing Guide values for the series range from $32.58 all the way to $168,000 depending on variety and grade.

Also Read: What Half Dollars Are Worth Money?

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1917 Half Dollar Value

Walking Liberty half dollars from 1917 present one of the trickiest grading challenges in all of U.S. coin collecting. The Weinman design was notoriously difficult to strike fully, as the high relief caused poor metal flow into the dies — meaning many coins display weakly defined details on Liberty’s hand, head, and the eagle’s feathers even though they were never circulated.

This grading difficulty matters significantly for value. A 1917 half dollar could be worth $25 in lower grades or reach tens of thousands of dollars in a premium MS-65 or higher grade — accurate assessment is essential before buying or selling.

For preliminary assessment before investing in professional grading services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company), our CoinValueChecker App provides instant grade estimation and value detection to help identify potential treasures.

 

1917 Half Dollar Value Guides

The 1917 Half Dollar presents collectors with an unprecedented opportunity to own five distinct varieties from a single year, created by the historic mid-year mint mark relocation that transformed American coinage forever. Each variety tells its own story through mintage figures, survival rates, and market performance — with values ranging from affordable circulated examples to six-figure auction records for premium specimens.

1917 Half Dollar Types:

• 1917 No Mint Mark Half Dollar (Philadelphia)
• 1917-D Obverse Half Dollar (Denver)
• 1917-D Reverse Half Dollar (Denver)
• 1917-S Obverse Half Dollar (San Francisco)
• 1917-S Reverse Half Dollar (San Francisco)

 

1917 No Mint Mark Half Dollar Value

The 1917 Philadelphia Half Dollar is the most common of all five varieties and the ideal entry point into the 1917 set. With a mintage of 12,292,000 pieces, it is the most common of the early-date (1916–1929) Walking Liberty half dollars across all grades. PCGS’s David Hall notes that mint state examples are usually well struck, and gems display the distinctive white satin luster typical of early Walkers — a beautiful characteristic that makes even common dates highly appealing.

Gems remain scarce, however, because collectors during that era prioritized saving smaller denominations. A half dollar represented significant purchasing power in 1917, and most were spent rather than saved. The Philadelphia coin is also described by the Greysheet as the ideal type coin for the early Walker set — accessible in all grades up to MS-67, which is the only grade considered genuinely scarce.

The auction record for this variety stands at $39,950 for an MS-67 example sold at Heritage Auctions on August 10, 2016. More recently, a David Lawrence Rare Coin Auction offered an MS-65 example with stunning colorful toning that reached $793, illustrating how eye appeal can elevate even common varieties.

Recent auction results demonstrate the growing appreciation for this foundational variety among collectors seeking entry into the series.

Market activity reflects steady demand driven by both type collectors and investors recognizing its historical significance.

 

1917-D Obverse Half Dollar Value

The 1917-D Obverse commands respect as a true condition rarity among Walking Liberty half dollars. With only 765,400 pieces struck, this variety stands among just nine dates in the entire series with mintages below one million coins — and it is the scarcest of the two Denver varieties by a wide margin.

The distinctive “D” mint mark positioned beneath “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the obverse marks this as one of only two Denver Mint issues featuring the experimental placement before the mid-year policy reversal. PCGS’s David Hall notes it “remains scarce in circulated grades with mint state examples being very scarce and gems classified as rare.”

The most notable recent public sale came at Stack’s Bowers Galleries’ June 2025 Showcase Auction, where a 1917-D Obverse graded PCGS MS-65+ and approved by both CAC (Certified Acceptance Corporation) and CMQ brought $22,800. Earlier, an MS-66 example achieved $78,000 in early 2018. These results confirm this variety’s consistent appeal at the highest collector levels.

The record auction results underscore the coin’s attainable value and earn the respect of serious numismatists worldwide.

Market patterns reveal concentrated collector interest focused on the obverse mint mark placement from Denver.

 

1917-D Reverse Half Dollar Value

The 1917-D Reverse half dollar bears a substantially higher mintage of 1,940,000 pieces — the product of Denver Mint’s increased production following the April 1917 mint mark relocation order. This variety showcases the refined die positioning with the “D” placed at the 7 o’clock position on the reverse, which Mint Director von Engelken believed created better visual balance than the obverse placement he had called “defective.”

Here is where the “inverse rarity” phenomenon becomes especially striking. Despite its higher mintage, PCGS’s David Hall notes that in gem condition, the 1917-D Reverse is “decidedly rarer than the 1917-D obverse” — and even marginally rarer than the 1917-S Reverse. The reason is simple: by mid-1917, the novelty of the new design had faded, and fewer coins were deliberately saved.

The auction record for this variety is $43,200 for an MS-65+ example sold at Heritage Auctions on January 3, 2018. Current market data for 2024–2025 shows MS-65 examples of this type regularly exceeding published price guide values by 200–300% — a clear signal from the market that gem survivors are significantly rarer than official population data suggests.

Auction performance highlights the complex relationship between mintage figures and actual market value in higher grades.

Current market dynamics show sustained collector interest despite the variety’s higher production numbers.

 

1917-S Obverse Half Dollar Value

Among all Walking Liberty half dollars, few command the reverence reserved for the 1917-S Obverse. With only 952,000 pieces struck at the San Francisco Mint, this variety joins a small group of Walking Liberty dates with sub-million mintages — and it is the highest-valued of the four branch-mint 1917 issues.

According to PCGS’s David Hall, this coin was historically the most expensive in the entire Walking Liberty series in mint state condition. Modern population reports have since revealed that the 1921-S and 1919-D are technically rarer in high grades, but the 1917-S Obverse remains scarce across all conditions. The Greysheet notes that scarcity begins at the XF (Extremely Fine) level, and rarity sets in from MS-60 through MS-66. The finest known grade of MS-67 is described as “very rare.”

The coin’s all-time auction record is $152,750 for an MS-67 example sold at Heritage Auctions on August 16, 2015. Unlike the common dates where collector premiums only appear in mint state, this variety remains genuinely scarce even in VF (Very Fine) and EF grades — making it compelling at multiple price points for collectors.

Auction prices across all grade levels confirm this variety’s position among the most coveted Walking Liberty half dollars ever minted.

Market sentiment continues to favor this legendary key date with consistent long-term demand.

 

1917-S Reverse Half Dollar Value

The 1917-S Reverse is often considered the “sleeper rarity” of the 1917 set. With the highest mintage of the four branch-mint varieties at 5,554,000 pieces, it looks like the least impressive variety on paper — yet it has emerged as a major conditional rarity at the gem level that increasingly surprises collectors.

PCGS confirms that while circulated examples remain plentiful, mint state examples are scarce and true gems are rare. Strike softness, contact marks in the open fields, and impaired luster eliminate most coins from contention at the MS-65 level. In December 2025, a GreatCollections auction featured a PCGS MS-65 example with a CAC Green sticker — a signal from the Certified Acceptance Corporation that the coin is exceptionally well-struck and appealing for its grade — attracting strong bidder interest.

The all-time auction record for this variety is $71,300 for an MS-67 example sold by Bowers & Merena on February 4, 2006 — a price achieved more than 19 years ago that shows just how scarce top-grade survivors truly are. Recent 2024–2025 auction data shows MS-65 examples consistently selling above PCGS guide prices, confirming the market’s recognition of this variety’s gem rarity.

Auction trends reveal the coin’s role as an accessible gateway into the 1917 mint mark transition story — with a hidden premium for top-grade survivors.

Market participation shows broad-based interest from collectors at all levels.

Also Read: Rare Half Dollar Coins to Look For

 

Rare 1917 Half Dollar Error List

Mint errors were relatively rare in the 1917 Walking Liberty half dollar series, but several documented varieties do exist that can meaningfully increase a coin’s value. Here is what collectors should know about each.

1. 1917 Half Dollar Delamination Errors

Delamination happens when the bonded layers of a planchet (the metal blank before it is struck into a coin) begin to split and peel apart. This creates lines, voids, or flap-like separations on the coin’s surface that look like slash marks or peeling paint.

The cause can be a defective adhesive layer, impurities in the metal alloy introduced before the blanks were cut, or gas pockets trapped during the rolling process. In documented 1917 Walking Liberty half dollars, examples exist where the planchet metals did not completely bond, resulting in delamination visible on the obverse. These coins are generally worth a modest premium over unaffected examples, with prices depending heavily on how dramatic and photogenic the error appears.

2. 1917 Half Dollar Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)

A Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) error occurs when a working die is struck more than once during its creation in slightly different positions, causing design elements — letters, the date, or Liberty’s figure — to appear doubled on the finished coin. Both impressions are raised, which distinguishes a true DDO from simple coin wear or a moving die.

A minor 1917 DDO variety is documented for the Walking Liberty series. While it carries only a modest premium compared to the dramatic doubled dies found in the Lincoln cent series, it is a genuine attribution variety. One certified uncirculated example reportedly sold for around $150 in 2024. Collectors hunting this variety should use 5–10x magnification and look for doubling in the motto lettering.

3. 1917 Half Dollar Repunched Mint Mark (RPM)

A Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) error occurs when a mint mark was applied to a working die more than once in slightly different positions, leaving a secondary overlapping impression of the letter. Before 1990, mint marks were hand-punched onto individual working dies — so misalignments and re-punchings were common when the initial strike was weak or crooked.

Several RPM varieties are documented within the Walking Liberty series, and the 1917 issues are no exception. These varieties are referenced in the Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties using FS (Fivaz-Stanton) designation numbers — the standard attribution system for Walking Liberty RPMs. Premium values depend on how pronounced the secondary mint mark impression is and the coin’s overall grade.

4. 1917 Half Dollar Satin Finish Proof Specimens

The U.S. Mint did not produce official proof sets in 1917 for public sale. However, a very small number of satin-finish Presentation Piece proofs are confirmed to exist from this year. Numismatic historian Walter Breen noted only three confirmed 1917 proof specimens — most likely struck for VIPs or senior government officials at a time when proofs were not sold to the general public.

These specimens are distinguished from regular business strikes by a superior strike with full design detail, wide and even rims, and a distinct surface crispness absent from circulation coins. One PCGS-graded PR-66 example reportedly sold for approximately $25,000 in early 2024. Because the term “satin” is sometimes misused by sellers to describe simply lustrous business strikes, authentication by PCGS or NGC is absolutely essential for any coin claimed to be a proof specimen.

 

Where to Sell Your 1917 Half Dollar?

Now that you understand your 1917 Half Dollar’s market value and grade, the key question becomes finding the right selling platform to maximize your return. Whether you have a common circulated Philadelphia piece or a rare obverse mint mark variety, selecting the appropriate marketplace is crucial.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

1917 Half Dollar Market Trend

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

 

FAQ About The 1917 Half Dollar

1. Where is the mint mark on a 1917 half dollar?

It depends on which variety you have. Early 1917 coins from Denver (“D”) and San Francisco (“S”) have the mint mark on the obverse — the front of the coin — directly below the words “IN GOD WE TRUST.” After the April 1917 policy change, later coins have the mint mark moved to the reverse — the back of the coin — at approximately the 7 o’clock position near the lower-left rim, close to the eagle’s tail feathers. Philadelphia coins have no mint mark at all, in either location.

2. How much silver is in a 1917 half dollar?

Every 1917 Walking Liberty half dollar is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing exactly 12.50 grams. That works out to 0.36169 troy ounces of pure silver. With silver trading near $47–$48 per ounce in late 2025, the base melt value is approximately $17 — but even the most worn collectible examples are worth more than their silver content due to numismatic demand.

3. How can I tell if my 1917 half dollar is counterfeit?

Authentic 1917 half dollars weigh exactly 12.50 grams and measure 30.6mm in diameter — counterfeits are often lighter, made of soft metals like lead or pot metal. One key diagnostic: the “Fat Motto” counterfeit family shows a noticeably thick “E PLURIBUS UNUM” on the reverse, with the pine stem ending under the middle of the letter “B.” On a genuine coin, the pine stem ends at the right side of the “B.” Modern laser-engraved Chinese fakes may show microscopic parallel lines in the flat fields. Always buy expensive varieties only as certified PCGS or NGC specimens.

4. What does MS grade mean on a 1917 half dollar?

MS stands for Mint State, meaning the coin has never been circulated and retains its original mint luster. The Sheldon scale runs from MS-60 (the lowest uncirculated grade, with heavy contact marks) to MS-70 (a theoretically perfect coin). For 1917 Walking Liberty halves, the most common mint state grades are MS-60 through MS-64. MS-65 (“Gem”) is considered scarce for all 1917 varieties, and MS-66 or MS-67 examples are genuinely rare and command premium prices.

5. What makes the 1917-S Obverse the most valuable variety?

The 1917-S Obverse combines several rarity factors simultaneously: a sub-million mintage of just 952,000 coins, scarce survival across nearly all grade levels (not just mint state), and strong collector demand driven by its historical significance as San Francisco’s contribution to the transitional mint mark year. Its all-time auction record of $152,750 (Heritage Auctions, August 2015) for an MS-67 example reflects how few examples exist in the highest grades.

6. What is the “inverse rarity” phenomenon in 1917 half dollars?

Inverse rarity refers to the counterintuitive fact that the higher-mintage Reverse Mint Mark varieties (1917-D Reverse and 1917-S Reverse) are actually scarcer in gem MS-65+ condition than some lower-mintage Obverse Mint Mark varieties. This happened because the novelty of the new Walking Liberty design had faded by mid-1917, so fewer reverse-type coins were deliberately saved by contemporary collectors. In 2024–2025, MS-65 examples of the reverse types have sold for 200–300% above published PCGS price guide values.

7. Do any proof 1917 half dollars exist?

Yes, but they are extraordinarily rare. The U.S. Mint struck only a handful of satin-finish Presentation Piece proofs in 1917, most likely for VIPs — not for public sale. Numismatic historian Walter Breen confirmed only three specimens. These proofs are distinguished by a sharp strike, full design detail, crisp wide rims, and a superior surface quality not found on business strikes. A PCGS PR-66 example reportedly sold for approximately $25,000 in early 2024. Authentication by PCGS or NGC is mandatory before purchasing any coin claimed to be a 1917 proof.

8. Should I get my 1917 half dollar professionally graded by PCGS or NGC?

Professional grading (also called third-party grading, or TPG) is highly recommended for any 1917 Walking Liberty half dollar you believe to be in Mint State condition (MS-60 or higher), any 1917-D or 1917-S variety in any condition worth more than $500, or any coin claimed to be a proof specimen. PCGS and NGC both authenticate the coin, assign a precise grade on the 70-point Sheldon scale, and seal it in a tamper-evident plastic holder (“slab”). Certified coins sell for significantly higher prices than ungraded (“raw”) coins of the same variety.

9. How do I know which of the five 1917 varieties I have?

Start by looking at both sides of the coin carefully. If there is no mint mark anywhere, you have the Philadelphia issue. If you find a “D” or “S” below “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the front (obverse), you have an Obverse Mint Mark variety — the earlier and more valuable type. If the mint mark is on the back (reverse) near the lower-left rim at about 7 o’clock, you have a Reverse Mint Mark variety. Use a 5x magnifier for the best results, as mint marks on early coins can be small and worn.

10. Is a 1917 half dollar a good investment?

The 1917 Walking Liberty half dollar has shown strong long-term appreciation, especially for the rarer obverse mint mark varieties and high-grade gem survivors. The 1917-S Obverse MS-67 sold for $152,750 in 2015, and the series continues to attract steady buyer demand at auction houses like Heritage Auctions and Stack’s Bowers Galleries.

However, as with any collectible, condition is everything — only professionally graded, problem-free examples in MS-64 or higher tend to appreciate meaningfully over time. Common Philadelphia examples in circulated grades are better treated as silver bullion holdings than investment-grade numismatic pieces.